Homelessness Strategy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Questions (1042)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1042. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review his policy on homelessness given the crisis now developing; if he has received reports from local authorities regarding the crisis in each such authority; if he will publish details of same; if he has further received reports recommending changes to this policy from his Department, or from another agency or organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37411/15]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Government’s Homelessness Policy Statement, which was published in February 2013, outlines the Government's aim to end long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 and emphasises a housing-led approach as the primary response to all forms of homelessness. The availability and supply of secure, affordable and adequate housing is essential in ensuring sustainable tenancies and ending long-term homelessness. The Policy Statement is supported by all the major stakeholders concerned with homelessness. I have no plans to amend the Policy Statement. Details are received from housing authorities on a monthly basis with regard to people utilising State-funded emergency accommodation on a regional and county basis. These monthly reports also provide details of the breakdown of the individuals and the numbers of families and dependents that are in emergency accommodation. These monthly reports are available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople/.